Standing in the snow outside Father Christmas’s workshop with my son Jake, I have to admit that I felt a little bit guilty.

For 32 years Santa had never failed to deliver presents to me and there was I, empty handed.

I hadn’t even bought one of the bottles of the beer he likes to be left out for him on Christmas Eve.

I was sure that I was going straight on the naughty list.

Just then the door opened and one of Santa’s many elves invited myself and Jake, inside.

With a mixture of nerves and excitement, Jake and I entered Father Christmas’s front room to be greeted by the man himself.

Jake, like any normal five-year-old, was a little bit starstruck at the sight of Santa and could barely nod as he was asked: “Have you been a good boy this year?”

However, after being invited to join Santa on his sofa, he quickly regained his voice when questioned about what he would like for Christmas.

After Jake had finished revealing his wish list, and promised to keep up the good behaviour, Santa proved what a kind man he was by dishing out an early Christmas gift.

And as he vowed to do his best to bring Jake the presents he had asked for, we were gently ushered out ready for the next child.

Meeting Santa at his workshop was just one of the many highlights of our three-night stay to Lapland.

In fact, in Father Christmas’s own backyard you can go sledging, toast marshmallows by an outdoor fire or decorate (and eat) a festive cookie or five.

One thing you must not miss out on is the chance to help put Santa’s reindeers through their paces in preparation for their big night.

And despite being a short trip, the sleigh ride through the snow is an enchanting experience for both young and old.

However, on a visit to Lapland the magic doesn’t start at Father Christmas’s workshop.

The festive fun begins as soon as you touch down at Kittila Airport, which is situated inside the Arctic Circle in northern Finland.

Stepping off the plane you forget about the freezing temperature as you are greeted by giddy elves, whipping the children into an excitable frenzy.

After collecting our luggage we were whisked off to our hotel – which was about a 30-minute drive away – led by our very own elf guide, Berry Juice.

During our visit we stayed at the Snow Princess Hotel, which is nestled in pine forests, just a short walk from the shops and restaurants in Yllas village.

The Snow Princess is a great base camp for an Arctic adventure. The hotel combines modern and traditional decor, to provide a warm and sociable atmosphere. Inside the lobby there’s a bar, which serves Christmas-themed drinks and snacks, and a games room for the children.

As soon as we arrived we were kitted out with thermal one-piece suits, snow boots, gloves, hats, balaclavas and extra thick socks to ensure that while the temperature might reach -20c, we wouldn’t be feeling the chill.

Staying in a large room, which sleeps four adults or two adults and three children, there was more than enough room for the two Joneses.

It also included a TV, fridge, a great view of the wintry surroundings and, in the bathroom, our own sauna, which came in handy after a day in the cold.

With full board, we got to refuel at the buffet restaurant which serves up a mix of international and Finnish meals, as well as fries and pasta for the kids.

And you must not miss out on the most important meal of the day, as Jake always looked forward to pigging out on his favourite do-it-yourself breakfast waffles.

So with full stomachs and wearing about five layers of clothing, we hit the ice.

You don’t have to go far to find something to do as the huge snow mound in front of the hotel is the perfect spot to enjoy sledging, have a snowball fight or build a snowman.

But if you want to take in the scenic snowy landscape, there’s no better way than on the back of a husky sleigh.

However, if you think you can relax and let the dogs do the work, think again.

With Jake tucked snugly in furs on the sled, I was told that, as I was ‘driving’, I might have to put in a little bit of leg work to help the dogs on their way or up any hills.

I quickly realised that I must have picked the laziest team of huskies in the pack, as I spent most of my time running with the sled to make sure I didn’t get left behind.

After managing to get my dogs moving, I finally got the chance to enjoy some of the stunning scenery.

On completion of our journey, we were treated to some warm fruit juice and ginger cookies, while being introduced to a husky pup.

This was the perfect time to introduce Jake to the mantra that a dog is for life and not just for Christmas, as he seem to get a bit too attached to the little fella.

After my exertions, now was definitely time to take things a little bit easier. And in Lapland there’s nowhere better place to chill out than at the Lainio Snow Village Ice Hotel.

With the temperature inside staying permanently subzero to ensure all the frosty fixtures and fittings don’t melt, I was glad I hadn’t booked to stay the night inside the giant igloo.

Despite this, the intricate ice carvings that adorned the walls were a sight to behold.

From amazing wildlife sculptures, to landmark buildings from around the world, even without windows, they were all rooms with a view.

As well as checking in for an overnight stay, you can also enjoy a frosty reception after getting married in the hotel’s very own ice chapel.

Being happily married, I would make do with a quick cold drink in the ice bar.

It was probably the coldest beer I had every had and at one point the can even became frozen to the ice table.

Following a cool evening at the ice hotel, it was time to pick up the pace again the next morning and this meant the chance to try my hand at snowmobiling.

With Jake again getting to ride in comfort in a sledge behind Berry Juice’s vehicle, I got to take charge of my own ride.

After a short lesson in the basics of snowmobiling we were on our way.

Riding one of these machines is pretty simple and with the cold nipping at your cheeks, it’s a amazing way to enjoy the fantastic landscape.

One tip for beginners, stay on the track and steer clear of fresh snow.

I learned this the hard way, as I tried to turn my snowmobile around only for it to tip me face first into a soft patch of waist-deep snow.

At the end of the journey I was a bit disappointed that I had to give the snowmobile back.

However, in Lapland there’s always another treat to look forward to... and we had a party to attend back at the Snow Princess.

With Christmas dinner laid on and plenty of festive fun and games for the kids, it was the perfect end to a action-packed holiday.

And with Santa soon to be visiting us at home, I would have to remind Jake to leave out an extra mince pie and a nice bottle of beer on Christmas Eve. Hopefully this would make up for us turning up empty handed at his workshop – and to thank him for such a magical experience in Lapland.

Travel file

Steve and Jake travelled to Lapland on a Thomson Santa’s Wonderland trip.

Thomson offers four night holidays to Lapland staying at the Hotel Snow Princess in Yllas on a full board basis from £789 per adult and £659 per child. The price is based on two adults and two children sharing a family room and includes flights departing from London Gatwick airport on December 4, transfers, and Santa’s Wonderland itinerary. To find out more about this holiday or to book visit your local Thomson travel shop, thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.